It is inspiring to see how the people are allowing the challenges of their community to function as inspiration rather than reason for complaint.
Sacraments
Posted inExplainer, Faith
Why don’t Catholics receive the precious blood from separate cups at Communion?
The precious blood is an important part of Communion, but many people are afraid of the risk of cross-contamination from a shared chalice. Why shouldn’t we simply use separate cups? There are a few reasons.
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
The Catholic Church needs to reimagine the role of godparents
Ted Kennedy Jr. on the importance of godparents: The need and desire for spiritual guidance, love, support and personal mentorship does not end when we reach adulthood.
Posted inFaith, The Good Word
Want to be happier? Go to confession
Is it possible that people who say that the sacrament is more trouble than it is worth, that they do not need confession, have duped themselves?
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
Clean eating and self-care are no substitute for confession
The wellness industry is redefining purity as a form of escapism from one’s own moral impurity. Diet has become a substitute for a genuine attempt to be a better person.
Posted inFaith, Vantage Point
The Case For R.C.I.A.
From 1989: A debate about the effectiveness and appropriateness of the R.C.I.A. in the life of the Catholic Church.
Posted inFaith, Vantage Point
The Case Against R.C.I.A.
From Father Andrew Greeley in 1989: The R.C.I.A. has converted the sacramental experience into an obstacle course, a series of barriers to be surmounted, a list of tests to be passed.
Posted inArts & Culture, Ideas
Lessons for evangelization from Britney Spears’s journey with the Catholic Church
Britney Spears recently wanted to get married in the Catholic Church. The controversy that followed shows us what we still need to learn about turning our churches into welcoming spaces.
Posted inFaith, Faith and Reason
Archbishop Wester: The Catholic Church should baptize children of same-sex couples
“The general disposition of the church is one of hospitality, openness and welcome,” writes Archbishop John Wester. “Refusing to baptize children of same-sex couples is not in keeping with this outreach and I find it quite troubling.”
Posted inFaith, Faith in Focus
The two saints who saved me from scrupulosity
Thérèse of Lisieux and St. Ignatius helped draw me away from scrupulosity—and into accepting God’s love.